Cannot install XP to Compaq 600mhz

[ray123]

I have a retail version of Windows XP pro but I wanted to first see how it will run on this Compaq 600mhz before I get another license, as I know you can install it and it will only work for 30 days before you have to confirm it. But it will not install on this Compaq at all. The light is light green on the right and then the left light turns red, blinks and that's the end of it. I've done this on several computers to test how XP will run with no problems. I just recently did it on a Gateway 600mhz with no problems and works great. I tried several CD roms and one CDRW, as well as 3 different hard drives, increased memory, changed memory. I wonder if there is some kind BIOS setting that prevents it from installing anything higher than win2000. It was used for a business previously. There are no passwords or anything. It installed Windows 2000 pro with no problems. I even tried XP home. Any ideas?

[glc]

What lights are you talking about? What exact model Compaq? Why not just stick with 2000 Pro if it works?

[ray123]

I like windows XP better than Win2000. I'm just talking about in front there are 2 lights that come on when you turn the computer on. Not sure of their purpose. The one on the left after it starts to install XP turns red and stops. Product Type: Commercial Desktop PCs Units :Product Description: Arlo (810E):Model Number: EPM/P600/b/03138/D0 : compaq Desktop pro is all it says. I got the other numbers from typing in the serial number at the Compaq web site.

[glc]

XP is not supported on that model Compaq, and neither is ME. You will have to be happy with 98 or 2000.

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/fi...model/404.html

[ray123]

thanks for pointing me in the right directions because as I looked deeper, it turns out that the BIOS is supported for WinXP and I happen to read that the problem with XP is the built in video is not supported; so I installed another Video card and it installed XP without a hitch; as well as service pack 2. I had a Dell Pentium III 450 mhz I installed a clean WinXP pro but service pack ended up getting corrupted and I got all kinds of system32/config error type messages. I haven't tried it again but wonder what's with that too. It is a Dell Optiplex GX1. But when Service pack 2 installs, it seems to work pretty good and didn't notice the somewhat of a slowdown as with service pack 1. thanks again